Treatment to Help Compulsive Hoarders

Question: Is there any treatment available for those with compulsive hoarding behaviors?

Answer: Hoarding disorder is now recognized in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) and was added in 2013. The definition of hoarding disorder is the name of a psychiatric condition that produces symptoms such as the compulsive urge to acquire unusually large amounts of possessions and an inability to voluntarily get rid of those possessions, even when they have no practical usefulness or monetary value according to the DSM. The main treatment for hoarding disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy and possible medications. Only a physician will make the diagnosis of hoarding disorder.

Another possible treatment collaborative therapy between the client, therapist, and a professional organizer.

Hoarding disorder is different to treat, but people who are willing to receive can have a better life.

Vickie Dellaquila is western Pennsylvania’s only Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization and owner of Organization Rules® Inc. Organization Rules provides compassionate organizing services for every stage of your life®. She is the author of Don’t Toss My Memories in the Trash: A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Seniors Downsize, Organize, and Move.